Analyst Michael Nathanson on how Disney will handle ESPN

Episode 319 of the Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch features Michael Nathanson, the co-founder and senior managing director of research firm SVB MoffettNathanson. In this podcast, Nathanson, one of the top analysts in the country when it comes to the media sector, discussed Bob Iger’s comments on CNBC about looking for strategic partners that could help with distribution or content; CNBC reporting ESPN has held early talks about strategic partnerships with the NBA, NFL and MLB that could include the leagues taking an equity stake in the business; Disney discussing selling its linear network such as ABC; the prospect of people cutting a DTC ESPN seasonally; how companies and networks with strong sports-rights portfolios will do in the near-term; Adam Silver’s thinking in terms of NBA media rights; Warner Bros. Discovery interest in the NBA; on Netflix getting into live sports; how he sees the Hollywood Strikes impacting sports; Messi’s impact on Apple/MLS media; the interest in women’s sports; the U.S. television ad market and more. You can subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and more.